|
NEWS - week of 07-29-07 to 08-04-07 Social Concerns
Questions on Poverty in the United States:
Catechetical Ministry
Sr. Kathleen is enjoying a much needed vacation in Ireland. While she is away, we hope you will enjoy these articles from our bulletin publisher.
KEEP PRAYING
Are you always on a rush looking for your checkbook and stewardship offering envelope as you hurry to Church on Sundays? Are you frequently on a trip that makes it difficult for you to attend Church at Saint Lawrence? Do you wish to lighten the work of our volunteer money counters on Sundays who spend time sorting and counting the checks and cash offered at Mass? Above all, do you wish to make Stewardship of Treasure a constant way of life? Then AUTOMATIC DEBIT and CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS might work for you. Please consider sending us your Stewardship Offerings through AUTOMATIC DEBIT from your checking account or through CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS on a monthly basis.
Life’s busy pace can crowd out a loving God who waits patiently for our full attention. Try a few simple steps to put him back in first place:
Experience of a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, the Catholic Church is affirming and supporting you in your chosen vocation - marriage. Take advantage of this great gift to enhance your relationship and enjoy a love-filled weekend away together.
Back by popular demand! Our water aerobic sessions begin this week! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm – 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available.
- week of 07-22-07 to 07-28-07 Social Concerns The attached news article (excerpts) from the US Bishops Office of Media Relations, voiced by Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, California, describes the bishops position on the failure of the US Senate to pass acceptable Immigration Reform legislation. "On behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), I am deeply troubled that fair and comprehensive immigration reform legislation has failed to move forward in the U.S. Senate. … As a nation, we cannot continue to employ an immigration system that leads to the exploitation of millions of our fellow human beings. We cannot accept the toil of a large underclass which does not have full rights in our society. This strikes at the very character of our nation and lessens us as a people. I urge our elected officials in Congress not to abandon this issue and to return to it as soon as possible. The status quo is morally unacceptable and should not be allowed to stand. The U.S. bishops shall continue to point out the moral deficiencies in the immigration system and work toward justice until it is achieved. " Throughout history, and up to today, we have seen the exploitation of those less fortunate by persons driven by selfishness and greed; the bishops seem to be characterizing this situation as another example of that phenomenon. May each of us reflect on this article, look into our hearts, consider the implications of Faithful Citizenship, and transform our actions as needed to truly reflect the values we profess as Catholics and disciples of Christ. Catechetical Ministry
Sr. Kathleen is enjoying a much needed vacation in Ireland. While she is away, we hope you will enjoy these articles from our bulletin publisher.
Around the turn of the fourth century, Augustine, still fairly fresh from the baptismal waters in Milan, was elected bishop of a tiny city in North Africa, Hippo. He told his people, “While I am frightened by what I am for you, then I am consoled by what I am with you. For you I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian.” He had his priorities right, and also knew that everyone coming from the water arises with a ministry, a specific role, in bringing about God’s kingdom.
If we were asked to purge English of Greek vocabulary, we would gain an insight into key ministries in our church. Bishop, from the Greek episkopos, would become simply “overseer;” priest, from the Greek presybter, would become “elder;” and deacon, from the Greek diakonos, would be “servant.” Each title stands in relationship to all the baptized, serving the community, helping it to be the Body of Christ. In our deepest tradition, each of these ordained ministries is attuned to help us become our best selves, to hunger and thirst for the coming of God’s kingdom. The goal for each one of us is to be able to recognize the presence of Christ in worship and in service. Although only some of us are ordained to ministry, each of us is called to ministry.
everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. — Colossians 1:28b
5:00pm - $1,541.55 Thank you for your continued support!
2nd Collection: $1,076.00
Maintenance
Other offerings: $78.00
The website for the 2007 10% Back to Schools promotion is now up and running. Go to www.backtoschools.escrip.com for information, product list, and receipt redemption and collection tips.
We are still waiting for the final figures to be calculated, and won’t have the information until the August bulletin. If you haven’t seen the renovations, please stop by during office hours (M-F 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-12pm) to see our lobby, reception room, workspace and conference room renovations! We would like to thank parishioner and SLEMS parent, Kay McFall - Smith for her tireless efforts in finding gently used furniture for our workspace (looks like new!) and for her professional advise on color and layout!
The Diocesan Council of Filipino Catholics invites everyone to a Triduum of Masses in honor of Our Lady of Antipolo (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) to be held at different churches within the diocese.
Back by popular demand! Our water aerobic sessions begin this week! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm – 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available.
- week of 07-15-07 to 07-21-07 Social Concerns More on the Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable (from the website of the University of Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns) "As followers of Christ, we are challenged to make a preferential option for the poor, namely to create conditions for marginalized voices to be heard, to defend the defenseless, and to assess lifestyles, policies, and social institutions in terms of their impact on the poor. The option for the poor does not mean pitting one group against another, but rather, it calls us to strengthen the whole community by assisting those who are most vulnerable.
Student Reflection: The option for the poor asks everyone to realize the plight of those who struggle to survive, and to put the needs of these
most vulnerable members of society ahead of individual selfish interests. We can never stop questioning an oppressive system that forces billions of
our brothers and sisters in our country and around the world to live in poverty. We need to ask "why?" Why are people starving around the world?
How can the United States, the richest nation in the world, allow its people to live in poverty, to be homeless in the 'and of opportunity', to lack good education and
adequate health care and to starve to death? As one of the elite - the fed, clothed, the sheltered, the educated - what are my responsibilities as
I step out into this unjust world society and try to make my way?" Catechetical Ministry The first "presbyters" were advisers to the bishops rather than what we would call "priests," yet by the year 1000 our present-day understanding of the ordained priesthood is clearly in place. The Germanic influence was strong in those days, reflected in a series of questions posed to the candidate about his intentions.
The priest's role in the celebration of Mass had by then come to the fore, as the ritual notes that Mass vestments must be worn, the hands of the priest must be anointed with
chrism, and a chalice with wine and water and a paten with a host must be given. Up to then, the ordination rite had stressed the presbyter as a collaborator with the bishop
and a member of the order of presbyters. Then, in a not-so-subtle shift, the presbyter came to be seen as a "priest" designated to celebrate the Mass and, as the prayer
suggests, to touch the chalice. By these days, remember, the cup had long vanished from Communion for the laity. A thousand years ago, today's patterns were already
in place. The priest no longer saw himself as a member of a council of elders, a presbytery, and in some dioceses he had little influence over the bishop. Instead, he was
either a pastor, with relationship to the eucharistic community in the parish, or he was a priest monk, offering Mass for the salvation of the departed or the intentions of the living.
Luke 11:1-13, Our Father The disciples were used to formal Old Testament prayer rituals, and expected new ones when they asked Jesus to teach them to pray. He surprised them by introducing the "Our Father," a very intimate and informal prayer. Jesus showed the disciples that God is our Father and we should talk to Him as intimately as we would our own fathers. When we remember that God knows us and loves us, we can confidently ask for what we need knowing that we will get it. Then Jesus wanted us to be mindful that we are forgiven so that we remember to forgive others, too. As we forgive, so we may be forgiven. Finally, we ask God not to give us more than we can endure. Of course God knows our strength better than we do. But we pray this way to remind us that He will always be with us in our trials. Jesus showed us that it's not enough to say, "God knows what I need, I don't have to pray." We are the ones who benefit from prayer.
5:00pm - $2,531.00 Thank you for your continued support! 2nd Collection: $889.00 Peter Pence Home Missions Other offerings: $152.00 Many of our Parishioners have signed up to the 10-day Saint Lawrence Parish Pilgrimage Tour to Lourdes, France starting on April 14, 2008. This pilgrimage is being organized to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Apparitions when the Virgin Mary appeared in the Grotto of Massabiele to the poor shepherd girl Bernadette a total of eighteen times between February 11 to July 16, 1858. We will be celebrating Mass at the Basilica and will partake in a Candlelight procession. We will also be visiting Fatima, Portugal's world-famous religious center and Barcelona, Spain, one of Europe's most popular cities. Site of the 1992 Summer Olympics, we will get an in-depth look at this beautiful city with a tour that showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Mila House and Park Guell. The tour will conclude with a visit to Antonio Gaudi's masterpiece "La Sagrada Familia." Optional excursion to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat will also be made available. Just a gentle reminder: from the 45 slots available, there are only 16 left. To reserve a seat, please fill out the form (available at the Rectory Front Office) and make a $250 deposit as soon as possible. Again, reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration forms are available at the Parish Front Office. Come exercise with us! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm – 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available. Thank you, Girl Scouts, for another delicious dinner! This Friday, the Eucharistic Ministers will be providing dinner. Dinner is served from 5:45pm - 7pm and swimming is from 6pm - 8pm. The menu is posted on the bulletin boards and near the children's center.
July 20 - Eucharistic Ministers - week of 07-08-07 to 07-14-07 Social Concerns Faith Formation Conference Sept 21-22 The Diocese of San Jose is co-sponsoring a Faith Formation Conference at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 21-22, 2007. There will be several speakers and workshops on Social Concerns, Charity and Justice related topics. The cost is $25 per day. There will be more information in this Bulletin as it becomes available. To find out more information now, go to www.sitekreator.com/faithformation.
Urging people to ensure that refugees do not "feel isolated because of intolerance or indifference", the pope also called on governments to ensure the right to political asylum, to protect refugees and to guarantee their human rights. Diocesan Blog for Justice and Peace Did you know that there is a blog titled "Faith Doing Justice"? This is the online newsletter for the Associate of Evangelization, Justice & Peace in the Office of Pastoral Ministry for the Diocese of San Jose. This blog contains information on activities, programs, resources and links to a variety of other useful charity and justice related information. Go to www.dsjjustice.blogspot.com/ and wander around. If you are like me, you will find it helpful, useful and fascinating. Guide for the Undocumented Immigrant, from Catholic Charities While you are at the Diocesan Blog for Justice and Peace (above), scroll down to the section on Catholic Charities and you can click on, and open, a "Guide for the Undocumented Immigrant." This is a 2-page guide on documentation to prove residence, which undocumented immigrants will probably need to gain lawful status in the future, depending on future legislation. Catechetical Ministry Some say tomato-and some say tomahto-you know the old song. What do you say when you arrive at church and see a font prepared, a baby in the wings, the paschal candle burning? Well, maybe you will say that "we're having a baptism today," or maybe you say "we are having a christening." The proper term is baptism, since that is the name of the sacrament. But the persistent use of "christening" in our culture, probably from due to the influence of the Episcopal Church, is interesting. Baptism, an ancient word, is from the Greek meaning to dip or to dunk. Christening is an Old English word that describes perfectly well that more than getting splashed with water, the person being baptized is being "Christ-ed." No matter what you call it, there's always water involved, and then an anointing with chrism-fragrant olive oil consecrated as a sign of Christ's presence-poured upon the brow as we say, "As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life."
So, in being Christ-ed, you are conformed to his image, your life is expected to be a retelling of his life in miniature and you-even though you may be squirming or sleeping-are
commissioned to be a priest, a prophet, a king. This means that you are called to be one who worships, you are called to speak the truth, you are called to shape the world and
exercise right judgment. That is the deepest treasure of our tradition, and every time you gather to celebrate a baptism, you renew your vows precisely so that you can be more
"Christ-ed." No matter what vocabulary you assign to the liturgy, the key is transformation of the human person in the community of the Body of Christ.
Say, "Amen!"
5:00pm - $1,927.90 Thank you for your continued support! 2nd Collection: $680.89 Other offerings: $97.00
July 13-15
July 21
July 21
MARRIED COUPLES: One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is; two parents very much in love with each other. Renew your love at a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. You deserve the best and your children need to see you reaching for it. Renew the love and intimacy in your marriage. Recharge your holy orders with a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Your marriage deserves it. For information call Ken & Claranne Schirle at (408) 782 1413 or go to: www.LoveMoreDeeply.org Back by popular demand! Our water aerobic sessions begin this week! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm – 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available. Presentation Center welcomes private retreatants -- individuals & couples -- as well as all types of group retreats including youth groups. If you haven't planned time away this summer, please consider a contemplative, personal retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains with the Sisters of the Presentation. Take time to walk around the lake or on the nature trail. Our chef prepares delicious, healthy meals, which include organic produce right from our sustainable, organic garden. Overnight stays for individuals cost $80 per person/night and include meals. Group retreat rates include the cost of the meeting room and meals. We also welcome all nonprofit groups for their board retreats or planning meetings. Guided tours of our new "Green" Welcoming Center are available upon request. For more information, please call (408) 354-2346 or visit www.presentationcenter.org. - week of 07-01-07 to 07-07-07 Social Concerns Pope Benedict speaks out on behalf of refugees On June 20, UN World Refugees Day, CNS reported that Pope Benedict XVI spoke of the importance of international attention "toward those who are forced to flee their countries because of real dangers to their lives." He continued that, for Christians, "To welcome and give hospitality to refugees is an obligatory gesture of human solidarity"and a concrete way to demonstrate Gospel love.
Urging people to ensure that refugees do not "feel isolated because of intolerance or indifference", the pope also called on governments to ensure the right to political asylum, to protect refugees and to guarantee their human rights. Preferential Option for the Poor Sometimes I wonder if people are only giving lip service to Catholic Social Teaching on the Preferential Option for the Poor. I see the Immigration Bill being proposed so that a "point system" is added that rates (and selects) people on their potential to contribute to our economy and further disadvantages poorer families from becoming reunited. I see the Paris Hilton jail fiasco and sympathize with Rev. Al Sharpton when he asks "Would the black coal miner in Virginia receive the same (special) treatment for the same offense?" I recall speakers who have referred to money, power and celebrity as false Gods and wonder how we would stack up against the first commandment if challenged. A few weeks ago, Fr. Andy gave a homily on"If we were accused of being Catholic, would there be enough evidence to convict us?"- - I find that a very interesting and relevant question. And I imagine that the poorest among us have a vested interest in our answer. Catechetical Ministry Last weekend at the 10am Mass, seven parishioners were installed as lay ecclesial ministers. These seven people are integral to helping the Pastor, Administrators and Staff, in the operation of important programs and liturgical celebrations within our parish.
What is a lay ecclesial minister? * One who responds to a call or invitation to participate in ministry and who has prepared through a process of prayerful discernment. * One who has received the necessary formation, education, and training to function competently within the given area of ministry. * One who intentionally brings personal competencies and gifts to serve the Church's mission through a specific ministry of ecclesial leadership and who does so with community recognition and support. * One to whom a formal and public role in ministry has been entrusted or upon whom an office has been conferred by competent ecclesiastical authority. * One who has been commissioned in a ministry through the authority of the bishop or his representative, perhaps using a public ritual. - BAPTIZED CHILDREN
We welcome the following children, who along with their parents and Godparents, have begun a lifelong journey of learning, living and loving one another in their Catholic faith: Vincent Alorro Ledesma Gabriella Marie Mesina Robert Stephen Taylor Damian Valk Jacelle B. Estropia Daniel John Pulikkottil Jellien Malanum Visperas
5:00pm - $1,380.62 Thank you for your continued support! Other offerings: $802.00
I have received many comments in the last few weeks referring to people who come to Mass late and leave early. This has become prevalent with the onset of the summer season. A longtime concern of mine has been the lack of appreciation regarding punctuality, especially as it relates to arriving on time for Mass. I don't mean the occasional lateness due to unforeseen circumstances, but the habitual practice of being late that shows a lack of concern and care for our community. This has an adverse effect on the spiritual growth and health of our parish.
"Promptitude is not only a duty, but is also a part of good manners; it is favorable to fortune, reputation, influence, and usefulness; a little attention and energy will form the habit, so as to make it easy and delightful" Unfortunately, this practice seems to be on the increase. Have people failed to realize that we are a Community of Faith? To fulfill our Sunday obligation, and more importantly, to be truly in communion with our fellow parishioners, we all need to be at Mass from start to finish. Aside from the fact that lack of punctuality causes distraction during Mass, it may be indicative that God is not really as important to one, as whatever causes one to be late, be it bodily rest, meals, recreation, chores, etc. I am not saying that all lateness would fall into this category but if one is habitually late for Mass, they would do well to examine their attitude towards the Lord. Someone who is generally on time for other appointments, but is consistently late for Mass, may be experiencing a lack of faith. No one who genuinely loves Christ would be late for an appointment with Him without feeling shame and embarrassment. Punctuality can help us to be better persons and better servants by providing service to our visitors through meeting them before as well as after Mass; by edifying visitors and fellow parishioners through our prompt presence; and by providing service to our Lord by honoring Him with our punctual arrival. How to be on time, one may ask? It really is quite simple: plan to be early, start out early and arrive 15 minutes before Mass begins. I offer my heartfelt thanks to those who are on time, setting an example for the community. All offices will be closed for Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4th.We will re-open on Thursday, July 5th at our regularly scheduled times.We wish everyone a VERY SAFE, VERY HAPPY holiday! Back by popular demand! Our water aerobic sessions begin this week! Sessions are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7pm – 8pm. Suggested donation: $3.00 per session. Join Sara and her group at the pool for some really great (and easy on the joints!) exercise! Showers and changing areas are available.
Please join the Knights of Columbus and your fellow parishioners next Sunday, July 10th, after the 8am and 10am Mass, for a meal of eggs, sausage, pancakes, orange juice and coffee. Breakfast is served in the parish hall by members of the Knights of Columbus and their spouses. Prices are $5.00 adults, $4.00 children (12 and under). While you are enjoying your breakfast, take time to find out about the Knights of Columbus and how they help our community with their selfless service and charity work.
Join us Sunday, July 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. for wine tasting, gourmet hors d’ouevres and live music plus our fabulous raffle and silent auction. A $20 donation includes a souvenir wine glass. Villa Siena, 1855 Miramonte, Mountain View, is a Residential Care & Skilled Nursing Facility operated by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.
Archived News Oct2006 Nov2006 Dec2006 Jan2007 Feb2007 Mar2007 Apr2007 May2007 Jun2007 Aug2007 Sep2007 Oct2007 Nov2007 Dec2007 Jan2008 Feb2008 Mar2008 Apr2008 May2008 Jun2008 |